Unsafe storage, handling, and use of hazardous materials can result in serious incidents including loss of life and millions of dollars in property damage. The 2016 edition of NFPA 400: Hazardous Materials Code provides the most up-to-date safety information for any facility or occupancy that stores, handles, or uses one or more of the covered classes of hazardous materials.

This one-stop source consolidates requirements on oxidizers, organic peroxides, pesticides, and ammonium nitrate based on requirements from prior stand-alone documents; NFPA 430, NFPA 432, NFPA 434,and NFPA 490 respectively. It also includes requirements for materials that are classified as unstable/reactives, water reactives, corrosives, pyrophoric materials, toxic and highly toxic, and flammable solids.

For the 2016 edition, additional requirements have been added to Chapter 11: Ammonium Nitrate to help protect workers, emergency responders, and facilities. The changes include:

New fire sprinkler system requirements for existing buildings of combustible construction and content

Added requirement for new buildings and storage bins to be of noncombustible construction

Added requirement for emergency planning and public notification/alert systems for both new and existing facilities

Other changes to protect ammonium nitrate from becoming contaminated, molten, and confined -- conditions that can lead to an explosion during fires involving ammonium nitrate

Revised Annex E, with information on the properties and uses of ammonium nitrate, clarified guidance for emergency responders on the conditions under which ammonium nitrate can explode, and when to fight such fires and when to evacuate

Updated Annex G classifications of several oxidizers based on work performed by the Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF)

Added New Annex J Hazardous Material Definitions Comparison Table that compares the hazardous materials definitions in the new OSHA standard with those in NFPA 400

The new 2016 edition of NFPA 400 is a critical tool for anyone responsible for the safe storage, handling, and use of hazardous materials in any occupancy. Fertilizer storage facilities in particular should review the significant changes made in Chapter 11 of the Code. This document is a valuable tool for facility owners/operators, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), insurance professionals, and many others. (Softbound, Approx. 206 pp., 2016)